Sean Penn, Oscar-winning Actor, Turns to Writing

Sean Penn, the renowned actor known for films such as 'Mystic River', 'All the King's Men', '21 Grams', 'Dead Man Walking', and 'Milk', who has received two Academy Awards, states: 'I am no longer in love with acting, and what I truly want to do is write books.' Penn believes that today's world is so filled with 'content' that even good films are soon forgotten. However, he still believes in the power of words. This week, he joins the ranks of other writers and actors like James Franco and Ethan Hawke who have turned to writing. Penn's novel is titled 'Bob Honey Who Just Do Stuff', a not-so-unusual name for someone who has met many of the prominent figures of our time, from Mikhail Gorbachev [the last leader of the Soviet Union] to El Chapo [the Mexican drug lord]. 'Bob Honey' is a troubled and alienated man who, while a character resembling Donald Trump named 'Maalik' rises to power, travels across various parts of America in search of 'authenticity and freedom.' The backdrop of this book's story resembles an audiobook that Penn released last year under the pseudonym 'Pappy Pariah'. He later published a print version of it under his own name, although he claims that some of the opinions expressed in that book, including a poem criticizing the 'Me Too' movement, are not necessarily his own. In a recent interview with the Associated Press, the 57-year-old Penn discussed writing, cinema, the 'Me Too' hashtag, and his changing tastes in literature. He mentions that he has more adventures planned for his fictional character 'Bob Honey', but it will depend on the readers' reception of the first book. Some comments on Penn's debut novel have been quite harsh. For example, the Huffington Post wrote in its review: 'Sean Penn the writer must be stopped.' However, his work is among the top 100 bestsellers on Amazon and ranks first in absurd literary works, which will likely please Penn. He states: 'In 2015 and 2016, I distanced myself from the news space. But I was thinking about what has become very significant in our country, what causes more division among the people of America than any other factor. I concluded that the only way I could answer this question was through a kind of political humor and choosing laughter over anger.' He adds: 'After writing this book, I realized that all the novels I have read have a one-sided view of culture. All the books I have read are works by American male authors. I intend to change this pattern.' Regarding the recent movement to combat sexual harassment known as 'Me Too', he said: 'I think one interesting point that hasn't been raised in discussions about sexual harassment is the legal age of consent in our country. We talk about sexual harassment in the family environment or by the ruling system, but we still see that many teenage girls in this country become pregnant.' 'I believe showing sensitivity and confronting those who abuse their positions is a positive thing, although the truth is that I cannot give a definitive opinion on these matters. But one principle should not be doubted, and that is the protection of children against such abuses.' Regarding the possibility of making a film based on his novel, he said: 'A few people have talked to me about this. I think if one of today's talented directors wants to make a film from my book, it would be an interesting experience. But I do not want to have any involvement in this project except for buying a ticket and watching the movie.'